Response to 'Where Did All That $$ Go'

Reading Riley’s blog about the bankruptcy of the alternative energy company, Solyndra brought a disturbing truth I had wanted to ignore to my front and center.  I was trying to forget that so much of the people’s money had been invested in a sinking ship.  At the time, the investment had seemed a good one, not only did it seem like it would bring more jobs into production but these would be GREEN jobs, which also signaled that our then new President really did see environmental problems as vital issues worthy of money and attention.  It had truly brought hope.  Yet, with this news of the bankruptcy my hopes and the hopes of what I would assume were millions of Americans were dashed.  Yet, I don’t think the idea that this situation being seen as a lesson to keep the government from investing in companies like Solyndra again should be what’s taken away from all of this.  Investing in companies looking to increase our energy independence is a good idea and just because it didn’t work out to our advantage this time, doesn’t mean it won’t the next. 

I agree with Riley in his point that increasing our dependence and reducing our environmental footprint will take a lot of risks and time.  This technology is still very new and is still being figured out.  Though there are many who would rather there tax dollars be spent on programs in which the benefits will be seen in their lifetime, the whole picture needs to be looked at.  If they had to choose between a destroyed nation and world or a few more dollars an their paychecks, it hardly seems a contest.  What others don’t understand is that this is a new industry with kicks like all the rest but also, a very worthy cause.

U.S. & Australian Bonds are Looking to Strengthen

    It was announced Wednesday afternoon by the Obama administration that plans to establish a military presence in Australia were underway.  The plan initially calls for only about 250 Marines to be housed on Australian bases on a six-month stint but there are later aspirations of the number becoming more along the lines of 2,500 strong.  While there, troops will take advantage of the regions biome by undergoing amphibious training, provide training to Australian and Asia-Pacific military forces, be able to store some American owned aircrafts, be of any humanitarian assistance required and perhaps, most importantly strengthen alliances of the region [1].  Though the number of troops seems somewhat insignificant, the symbolism is not lost on the Chinese government who have voiced a tone of skepticism on the matter.  The fact that some of the main Australian territories U.S troops will occupy, such as Darwin, are a short plan ride to China might have something to do with their unenthusiastic frame of mind.  Though, the administration claims that the major goal of the action is it bond ties to the Australian nation, it also doesn’t deny that the Chinese distrust is unfounded, “The notion that we fear China is mistaken” President Obama told reporters, “This is a region of huge strategic importance to us” [1].

Though the international attention this plan is getting might just be making mountains out of molehills, it’s hard to say when any military action by the United States is not an important one.  Yet, with the waves of economic woes still crashing down on our country, many believe any money or energy, even small amounts, could be put to better use.  However, there are also few Americans (official or unofficial) who accept the idea that Asian regions especially China should be ignored.  With China bordering India, Burma, Pakistan and, North Korea many agree that a close presence in these areas is smart and needed.  Perhaps with the plethora of worries plaguing the minds and hearts of Americans, the idea that America is fortifying it’s foreign alliances while also gaining a outlook on it’s competition, will bring a sense of relief.  After all, doesn’t the sane go “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”.

Critique on 'This is the future, so why ruin it?'

I agree with the author’s blog that the fact that most public schools are feeling the brunt of the withered economy is deplorable.  I know that with the economy being so poor many of us have to make “sacrifices”.  After all, we are really all to blame in some way; most of us live above our means – not giving a second thought to charging things to a credit card or taking out loans for cars or a house.  We are all to blame, that is, except for the children.   So, it’s angering to see that many children who’ve nothing to do with the mess are the ones suffering.  It doesn’t make sense.  Just like it doesn’t make sense that many young adults are going to have to shoulder what their parents and grandparents created.  “It isn’t fair” rings all too true and, yet, needless spending is still taking place, even with the state of the economy.  Flat screen T.Vs, really???  Why?  Granted it isn’t going to pay for a teacher’s salary but, I’m sure the accumulation of such purchases would. 

Yet, in the end it seems (as always) that the finger is pointed at “the government”, it’s portrayed as this big, mean, evil, entity that steals money from children to buy more guns for war but, aren’t we to blame for putting this government in charge? Aren’t we the ones that, who have been sitting on our hands watching the Kardashian wedding instead of the writing our Congressmen?  It’s America so, aren’t WE the ones that control the government?  The author asks, “Who is letting this happen to us?” and unfortunately, there is a simple answer: I did, you did…WE did.